Southeast Dental - Dentist in Markham, ON

Address : 70 Karachi Dr, Markham ON L3S 0B5
  Call Us : 905-471-2002

All Posts in Category: Family Health

Caring for Your Teeth on Summer Vacation

For Canadians, one common summer pastime is going to a cottage or campsite to relax in the sun, sit around bonfires, and swim in the lake.While on relaxing summer vacations, it can be easy to forget to stick with daily dental care, but it’s important to make sure that you are prepared in advance and don’t neglect your teeth.

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Your Dental Health Checklist During Pregnancy

Pregnancy affects all different facets of a woman’s body – and her mouth is no exception. In fact, dental health becomes even more important during those nine months of pregnancy. To make sure that your oral health needs are being met, we’ve put together a helpful checklist:

  • Keep Brushing & Flossing – It’s more important than ever to keep brushing and flossing as you normally would. Though tiredness and generally feeling uncomfortable may make you want to forgo the routine once in awhile, keeping your mouth clean will help prevent problems.
  • …Really, Always Floss! – Gingivitis becomes more prevalent during pregnancy; in fact, there is a very specific type of gingivitis that is specific to expecting women. Flossing daily will help to prevent this.
  • Pay Attention to Changes – If you notice any changes to your mouth, gums, tongue, or teeth, be sure to let the dentist know as soon as possible. Some things are common, such as tastebuds changing or excess saliva. But other changes may need to be further explored.
  • Take Supplements – Calcium, vitamin D, C, A, phosphorous, and protein are all important during pregnancy, not only for your dental health but also the baby’s. Their teeth begin to develop at 3 to 6 months of pregnancy, and supplements will play a key role in keeping them healthy.
  • Keep Up Visits to Southeast Dental – It may be a good idea to have more frequent dental visits during your pregnancy, to ensure that any changes are looked at and potential problems are prevented. Call Southeast Dental at 905-471-2002, or book online at your convenience. We’ll make sure that your dental health is well taken care of while you’re pregnant.
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What Are Gum Pockets?

Have you ever been told that you have gum pockets, or periodontal pockets? You may be wondering what they are, and what that means for your dental health. Gum pockets are caused by gingivitis, when tartar creates inflammation in the gum tissues. The swelling can then result in a pocket forming between the tooth and gums, which becomes a potential breeding ground for bad bacteria to thrive.

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How Crooked Teeth Can Cause Oral Health Problems

Crooked teeth are very common, especially in children as their adult teeth start to come in. While they’re often seen as an aesthetic issue that some may correct with braces, there are actually other oral health issues that can occur due to crooked teeth that go far beyond just appearance.

Difficulty Cleaning Teeth – When the teeth are too close together, or even overlapping each other, it can be hard to give them a proper clean. Certain toothbrushes and floss helpers can make it easier in some cases, but if there is too much of the tooth’s surface that can’t be reached, it can cause a number of problems, such as cavities and weakened enamel.

Tooth Wear Due to Crowding – Crowded teeth can also create further wear, since they are out of alignment and may rub against other teeth. This is especially common with crowded bottom teeth, which can rub against the backs of the top teeth.

Potential Injuries – If there are teeth protruding outward, it can make it much easier for injuries to occur. Chips and cracks are more common, especially when an accident happens. And when a tooth has left a significant gap, or is simply sticking out, things can also become caught in it – including your lip. This can become quite painful, since it’s likely that the lip will become caught between the teeth repeatedly.

If crooked teeth are causing you problems – appearance or otherwise – Invisalign is an excellent option, especially for those who don’t want braces to be too noticeable. Southeast Dental is Markham offers Invisalign so our patients can achieve the smile they’ve always wanted, without the injuries and potential problems that come with crooked teeth. If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, we’re happy to help – give us a call at 905-471-2002 or via one of our other contact options.

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All About Sealants

Everyone’s teeth are different – much like fingerprints. For some, the teeth in the back of their mouths have deeper grooves than most people, which can make it easier for bacteria to thrive and result in cavities. While brushing, flossing, and general daily dental hygiene can help, there’s another common solution. Have you heard about sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. They create a smoother surface that acts as a barrier against food particles, bacteria, and potential cavities. They offer an effective preventative measure against tooth decay.

Often, sealants are used to for children and teens whose adult molars and premolars have come in with particularly deep grooves. Dentists sometimes recommend applying sealants as soon as the new teeth have erupted, to prevent problems. However, adults can also have sealants applied, especially if they did not have them at a younger age.

The sealant process is a quick, simple and painless one. There is no drilling, numbing or anesthetic required. First, the teeth are properly cleaned. Then, once they have been dried, the sealant liquid is painted on the chewing surface and then left to dry for a minute or two while it hardens. Because the application is non-invasive, it is a great option for younger patients.

Once applied to the teeth, they can last from 5 to 10 years with proper dental care. The dentist will be able to monitor them over the years to know if and when they need to be re-applied.

Sealants are not generally visible, unless looking closely at them. They’re often clear or slightly tinted to tooth colour and are not visible like some fillings can be. Sealants can be felt with the tongue, however, as they make the chewing surface smooth and slippery.

If you’re considering sealants for yourself or one of your family members, contact Southeast Dental in Markham for more information. Call 905-471-2002, or one of the other options on our contact page.

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Teaching Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

Once your child is old enough, there comes the task of teaching them how to brush their teeth on their own. While it sounds simple enough to do, that isn’t always the case! We want your kids to have great dental hygiene habits to last throughout their lives, so here are a few handy tips to use when you decide it’s time to teach your child how brush properly.

Choose the Right Tools – While you want to make sure you have the right toothbrush and toothpaste for children, you also want to make brushing fun for them so they’ll want to keep in the habit. Let them choose their toothbrush, maybe with their favourite character on it, and toothpaste in a flavour they’ll enjoy.

Brush With Them – Brushing along with your child as you teach them is not only a great way to show them how you brush your own teeth, but it also makes it a fun bonding experience for them. Kids love copying their parents, so this is the perfect way to learn.

Be Patient – Your child won’t be brushing on their own after one lesson – the process takes time and patience. But the most important part is showing them how to get into a habit of brushing twice every day.

Take Turns Brushing Their Teeth – When a child is learning to brush their teeth, they won’t be doing a thorough job. To make sure they’re still getting a proper clean, take turns! They can practice brushing in the morning, while you brush their teeth at night (or vice versa).

Talk to Your Dentist – The dentist will have even more advice and tips when it comes to teaching your children how to brush. They can also help during regular check-ups by letting the child know what a great job they’ve been doing. Talk to our dental team at Southeast Dental in Markham, and we’ll work together to keep your family’s smile healthy. Call us today at 905-471-2002, or book an appointment online!

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Causes of Dry Mouth

When you consider everyday dental health problems, dry mouth isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But chronic dry mouth can be a serious issue, as it leads to bad breath, cavities, and tooth decay. If you find that you are having trouble producing saliva, it may be a good idea to look into potential causes.

There are many reasons that dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, occurs – these are a few common ones:

  • Medications
  • Chronic stress
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Radiation and chemotherapy

But if none of these apply to you, there are other causes to consider. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes a person’s white blood cells to attack glands in the body that produce moisture, including the salivary glands. Another potential cause to look into is nerve damage to the head or neck. Both of these can result in serious cases of dry mouth and immediate treatment should be sought.

To prevent common dry mouth, ensure that you’re well hydrated at all times. Avoiding coffee and other caffeinated beverages can help, as can chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sugarless hard candy. Even steering clear of sugar and acidic food can help.

If you’re not sure whether or not you’re experiencing a brief occurrence of dry mouth or a more serious case, here are some symptoms to look out for:

  • Constant thirst
  • Bad breath
  • Chapped lips
  • Red, painful tongue
  • Mouth sores and infection

If these problems persist, it’s important to make a dental appointment to find out what may be causing the Xerostomia, and if it can be easily treated. Dry mouth happens to everyone from time to time, but when it becomes serious it’s best to seek a solution. Call Southeast Dental in Markham to book your appointment, or use our online appointment form.

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